Click here [dd-wrt.com] for a guide on installing DD-WRT
Download the latest DD-WRT builds from here [dd-wrt.com]
If you are not interested in using custom firmware yet, these routers support mesh with the stock firmware, but the USB port is disabled.
The stock firmware is relatively new, but is speculated to not receive many, if any, updates, so it may be best to wait until custom firmware support is merged and more mature before messing with installing custom firmware.
How to enable mesh:
- Setup your Main router completely.
- Plug your child node using the wan port to the main router lan port, wait for a solid purple light on the child node before proceeding.
- Log into your main router web admin.
- Click on CA at the bottom right.
- Click on Connectivity and CA Router setup.
- Click on both Add Wired and Add Wireless nodes buttons. Wait for the Add wireless button to re-enable.
- Click Done adding Child Nodes and then Apply.
- Now the child node light should start flashing purple and turn into a mesh mode when it turns blue.
- Disconnect Ethernet and wait for blue light again.
- Move node to desired location.
How to set up as access point:
- Disable DHCP (optional).
- Set the device to Bridge Mode under Connectivity tab.
- Connect cable from your router to a LAN port.
- Get some nail polish and a round sticker to cover the annoying flashing right light.
- Click the 'CA' at the bottom of the page to see the detailed configurations of wifi.
to unbrick and flash new firmware
run flashimg
run flashimg2
rename stock firmware to tortuga.img
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Mind you that I only have 100Mbps Spectrum internet but I do stream/direct play 4k videos from a Plex media server to several Amazon Firestick 4k devices without issue. Overall IMO you would be hard pressed to find such relatively decent hardware for so cheap; especially a Mesh network.
It wasn't all smooth at first mind you. I kept getting disconnects; especially with the streaming IP cameras. But I discovered by disabling Express Forwarding all my streaming issues went away. (CA>Connectivity>Administration>Express Forwarding)
I'm guessing that Cisco's/Linksys' proprietary Express Forwarding routing protocol was causing havoc with the IP cams streaming capabilities. Also, disabling Node Steering seemed to make things more stable as well; mesh nodes no longer disconnect from the router when Node Steering is disabled. (CA>Wi-Fi Settings>Advanced>Node Steering)
Of course, user experience can vary so feel free to experiment. if the routers are giving you problems, try turning these features off and see if it works
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Idle (all 3 WiFi bands enabled): 10.6-10.9W
2.4GHz only (both 5GHz bands disabled): 9.3-9.5W
All 3 WiFi bands disabled: 8.5-8.7W
Same as above but with no Ethernet connection: 7.4-7.6W *Correction: I checked back a few hours later and now it's sitting at 7.0-7.1W*
I have to admit for $15, this is very impressive performance. It definitely beats my old RT-AC68u. Highly recommend people to upgrade to this linksys if you're running the old RT-AC68u.
Notice the "retr" has been extremely solid and always shows "0" during all of my tests. This shows the firmware from linksys is very stable. I wouldn't even touch openwrt and will advise most just stick with stock firmware.
I have to admit for $15, this is very impressive performance. It definitely beats my old RT-AC68u. Highly recommend people to upgrade to this linksys if you're running the old RT-AC68u.
Notice the "retr" has been extremely solid and always shows "0" during all of my tests. This shows the firmware from linksys is very stable. I wouldn't even touch openwrt and will advise most just stick with stock firmware.
FWIW, I tried OpenWRT on Linksys MR8300 (802.11s) and the wireless mesh speeds were dismal and ditched that idea and went with stock and couldn't be any more happier!
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I know it's probably tough to know if there are speed gains to be had for me but I would think possibly and I would probably see a stronger signal in that upstairs bedroom if the wireless child node was placed in that bedroom. I do see that these Linksys LN 1301's don't have external antennae whereas my Netgear Nighthawk in the basement has (3) large antennae. But at $20 a pop maybe it's worth it to enter the world of wifi 6?
I know it's probably tough to know if there are speed gains to be had for me but I would think possibly and I would probably see a stronger signal in that upstairs bedroom if the wireless child node was placed in that bedroom. I do see that these Linksys LN 1301's don't have external antennae whereas my Netgear Nighthawk in the basement has (3) large antennae. But at $20 a pop maybe it's worth it to enter the world of wifi 6?
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